
Practice Emphasis
Arbitration and mediation of construction, employment and commercial disputes; construction contract negotiations and drafting; commercial real estate transactions
Professional Summary
Born on Galveston Island, Texas, Rick has significant experience in construction law, employment and real estate matters. He is the former General Counsel of SpawGlass Construction Corp. He is a well known arbitrator and mediator of construction, commercial and employment disputes, and was named "Arbitrator of the Year" by the National Council of Better Business Bureaus for the Southwestern United States. He was named a Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly Magazine for years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. He was named in America's Leading Lawyers for Business in construction law and alternative dispute resolution by Chambers USA in 2007-2009. Rick continues to teach numerous courses in arbitration across the country for the American Arbitration Association. He is a frequent author and speaker on construction and alternative dispute resolution topics both nationally and to state and local bar associations and trade groups. Rick also acts as a Municipal Judge for the City of Friendswood, Texas. He is a life Member of the Texas Bar Foundation. Rick is "AV" rated by Martindale-Hubbell peer review ratings, the highest rating possible.
Education
The University of Texas at Austin (B.A., 1979) (Phi Beta Kappa)
The University of Houston Law Center (J.D., 1981)
Bar Admissions
State Bar of Texas (1982)
United States District Court, Southern District of Texas
United States Supreme Court
Memberships & Affiliations
American Arbitration Association:
20 year member of the College of the State Bar of Texas
Houston Bar Association:
State Bar of Texas:
Houston, Texas
(713) 535-5513 (Direct)
(713) 535-5533 (Fax)
rflake@cbylaw.com
Publications